Poultry across the Netherlands must be housed indoors following three avian influenza outbreaks in quick succession.
The Dutch government announced the nationwide housing requirement on 28 October, after infections were confirmed at Lutjegast on 26 October, Middelie on 27 October and Grootegast on 28 October.
The outbreaks at Lutjegast and Grootegast, both in Groningen province, affected commercial farms. Around 45,000 birds were culled at Lutjegast and approximately 51,000 at Grootegast. The Middelie outbreak involved around 150 chickens.
The housing requirement applies to all commercially kept birds, with an exception for commercially kept pheasants and ratites, which must be shielded from wild birds. Non-commercial keepers of at-risk birds, including backyard chickens, must also protect their birds from contact with wild birds.
The measures also include a nationwide ban on exhibitions involving at-risk bird species and tighter restrictions on visitors to bird housing facilities. Visits are permitted only when necessary for reasons including animal or public health and animal welfare, with hygiene protocols and visitor registration required.
The government is also working with the poultry sector on a plan to make vaccination of laying hens against avian influenza compulsory. The plan is due to be submitted to parliament by the end of 2026.